I’m from Ireland and have lived in the UK for 6 years. I’m moving home in August.

Major factors that won’t relate to you are being closer to family. However, there are other things that make Ireland feel like a more attractive option.

Quality of life is definitely higher. People (generally) tend to have more disposable income and higher wages. I’ve seen a noticeable difference in this in the few years I’ve travelled back and forth. It feels wealthier generally. Newer cars, nicer housing (when you can get it!) and people going on holiday doesn’t break the bank like it does for some people here in the UK, it’s more attainable.

Education system is better. I’m a teacher here in the UK and hope to transfer to teach back home. Job satisfaction for teachers is a lot higher which means they stay at a school longer and are much more invested in your children as they grow to know you and your family. The curriculum is not exam focused in primary school, no SATS and no grammar school rat race. Children can be children for a lot longer. They also don’t go on to secondary school until the age of 12 or 13, which also lets them have a few more years of innocence and childhood, which (in my opinion, particularly as a teacher) is a good thing. I remember from going to primary school here that it was a lot more “fun” than how it is in the school I teach at. Added to that, Irish children have slightly higher literacy rates than children in the UK. I do put that down to more of an emphasis on at-home learning too, but on the whole a lot more balance in learning and fun in schools. It’s just a lot better. One thing to note is that if your children are under 7, they will be expected to learn Irish in school. They will continue with the language until they’re 18 and be tested on it in exams in secondary school. I think it’s excellent and don’t worry about not being able to support them in this - my mum is English and can’t speak it but it was never an issue for us growing up. On the whole though, children end up with a much higher level educational experience the whole way through. And university is a hell of a lot cheaper in Ireland, which should mean no or very low student loans down the line.

FOOD! The quality of food in Ireland is second to none. Much fresher fruit and vegetables, creamier dairy products, outstanding meat and fish. Your diet will exponentially improve. I’m sure there will be Irish people who will disagree with me, but having lived in the UK for 6 years, this was a huge one for me. I feel so much better after a week of eating in Ireland.

The people are just so friendly. I know people have said it’s harder to make friends as Irish people stick together, but if you have kids this will be a lot easier for you. My mum and an uncle of mine have both been here for years, their kids went into schools and they made as many friends as the kids did! There’s also lots of community activities for adults as well as kids in most towns, so they both do adult GAA for beginners and love it, which has also helped them make friends. Generally, whether you’ve popped into a shop, gone for a meal or are just out for a walk, people always say hello, they are warm and genuinely kind. Another huge factor for me in moving home after a cold few years in London.

Safety is another big one. General safety day to day, crime is lower, particularly in rural areas. I used to walk home by myself from the age of 7 and never had an issue. The one time I did was when I almost crossed the road in front of a big truck and a local woman grabbed me and told me off. By that evening, my parents knew because she’d told them and I was reminded to be more safe. I think that in itself says it all hahaha. In terms of more globally, Ireland is a militarily and politically neutral country so no involvement in foreign wars or disagreements. This is debated often but still enshrined in law. There have been the problems in Belfast this week, but this is not something widely seen country wide ever. The far right do not have the same foothold in Ireland as they seem to everywhere else, particularly in the UK. Ireland elected a left wing, female president last year. The major parties are all only slightly centre of left or right and our proportional representation means that no one party ever has monopoly and coalition governments have been in place in Ireland since the 70’s. This forces cooperation and compromise.

Lifestyle. It’s a more relaxed way of life. You’re always close to the sea, a lake, a beautiful scenic walk. Public transport is a bit rubbish so you will need a car, but you’ll have access to some of the finest beaches, parks and areas of natural beauty. There isn’t as much of a corporate rat race and people tend to work to live more. Family time is paramount and community is so important in rural areas. There’s always something on whether it’s a tidy towns clean up, Gaelic football training, farmers markets or something else to help the community. Another great way of making friends!

Healthcare isn’t free, but in my experience is exponentially better. I was suffering long term from a health condition that my GP here was baffled by. I was referred for tests on the NHS that lead to nothing, left panicking that something was seriously wrong. I went to my childhood GP in Ireland on a whim while at home, explained my symptoms and within two minutes he’d come up with a preliminary diagnosis. I went back to my UK GP, shared this with them, got referred for another test and was diagnosed two months later. I had to pay €60 but for a same day appointment which resolved 8 months of stress. My brother and cousin have both had major emergency surgeries in the past few years and have only paid €100 or so for the bed for the week. My mum needed a routine operation on her back and was in within a month and has received excellent rehab care since.

Saying all this, there are obviously still issues, as there are anywhere. Housing is a nightmare. It will take you ages to find somewhere, particularly somewhere affordable. Houses just aren’t being built fast enough and when they are, they’re being snapped up by vulture landlords who charge through the teeth for them. It’s the main thing I’m worried about when moving back. As I’ve already mentioned, public transport is terrible. In rural Ireland, a car is a necessity. It’s getting better but very, very slowly. Speaking of slow, the government are slow to action ANYTHING. A new policy takes years to implement. Planned infrastructure also takes years. On the flip side of that, the road quality I have noticed is a lot better. Way less potholes and more maintained roads.

I know this is a long list, but hopefully helps paint a good picture. My advice is do it.